The word Niralambaya comes from the Anusara Yoga Invocation. The invocation is about the true teacher, within and without, the auspicious, intrinsic goodness within our hearts. Niralambaya suggests that the essence of this teacher, the “Tejese”, the divine luminosity within is independent in existence and completely free from limitation.

At times external circumstances can make us feel rough and worn down. It can be challenging to trust or believe that our light is still there. Our yoga practice helps to polish us from the inside out. We do the work so that we are able to tap into something bigger than us, to source, to an effulgence that can not be extinguished. Our practice creates an alchemy that melts obstacles, transforming the dull and rough into something that is brilliantly bright. I have been told that sometimes, at the end of your practice when you have all but exhausted your physical strength, can be an opportunity for you to achieve the greatest metamorphosis. That when you have to rely on your intention alone, a shift will occur. We can often find our greatest strength and teachings from those moments when we are tested and feel most vulnerable.

Diwali, The Festival of Lights, began yesterday in India and will last for five days. During the festival, thousands of candles and lanterns will be lit to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Symbolically, the lights can also represent the triumph of good over evil. Dipali Desai states, “Diwali represents ‘rows of lighted lamps’ but also it represents a time of lighting up millions of lights or lamps (individual awareness) to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and expand the radiance (Consciousness) of wisdom…”

I hope that we will all light a candle or a lantern to celebrate our increasing awareness and grace. It is my deepest wish that we will continue our individual practices, both on and off the mat, in order to keep sight of our wisdom even in times of struggle and darkness. Let us all continue to burn brightly, so that we can collectively set the world on fire with a love that burns brighter than the sun!